Chapter 197 Master Key (2)

Chapter 197 Master Key (2)

Master Key (2)

Master Key (2)

Watchers of the Round Table.

A secret community created for the exchange of high-quality information.

When I first entered this place, the existing members were curious about my relationship with the Master.

The reason was simple.

It had already been a year since the Master, who used to recruit members through private messages, disappeared without a trace.

The members thought they might be able to hear about the Master’s whereabouts from me, and after the ‘Lion’ persona was established, it became a generally accepted truth that we were acquainted.

I responded with ‘no comment’ to all related questions.

[The answer is no.]

I was worried about the consequences if I said I knew him.

And I thought it wouldn’t suit my mysterious persona if I said I didn’t know him.

But could it be that I got greedy?

[...Do you happen to know where the Master is?]

At the second gathering, I shrugged at Fox’s question.

As if to say I wouldn’t mind telling her if she brought me something interesting. I rested my chin on my hand and acted nonchalantly, like an absolute being.

I clearly intended to deceive them.

“...Didn’t the Master invite him? I’m pretty sure he said that...”

Indeed, my intention worked well, as Fox’s voice was filled with confusion.

The other masked figures were also bewildered.

“Hmm, you’re saying I invited him?”

The Master touched his chin as if he had no idea.

The other masked figures’ gazes then turned towards me.

Their eyes were filled with questions and curiosity about my identity.

“How did he get in here if he wasn’t invited by the Master?”

“Maybe he used an invitation code he received before?”

Goblin offered a guess at Fox’s muttering, and the Clown refuted it.

“Idiot. Don’t you know that invitation codes expire after a month?”

“...Is that true, Master?”

“What Clown said is true.”

“Then...”

Their gazes towards me became even more blatant as the Master agreed.

“Mr. Lion, why did you lie to me about knowing the Master...?”

Fox asked me cautiously.

I held my breath and closed my eyes for a moment.

It would be a lie to say I wasn’t flustered by the Master’s sudden appearance, but I would ruin everything if I lost my composure.

I quickly decided on my position.

“I didn’t lie.”

I never said I knew him.

You guys just misunderstood.

If I push forward like this, they won’t have anything to say.

‘Well, they might feel a bit of dissonance...’

From the killing intent that I half-stumbled upon to various other pieces of information.

I’ve shown them quite a bit.

They won’t be able to reach the truth that I’m just a cyberbully just from this.

Right, so...

“You didn’t lie?”

...let’s be shameless.

After all, that’s what the ‘Lion’ character is.

“That’s right. Do you have a problem with your ears?”

“Ah, no... that’s not it...”

Fox is flustered as our eyes meet, even though I didn’t unleash my killing intent.

I chuckled.

And I was about to deliver the line I prepared, saying that they were the ones who misunderstood, even though I didn’t say anything...

But that’s when...

“Everyone, stop it.”

...the Master spoke, looking at me.

“I don’t know the details of what happened between you, but he didn’t lie.”

‘...Huh?’

“Now I understand. Who you are.”

My heart skipped a beat.

Of course, it was just for a fleeting moment.

He knows who I am? That’s impossible.

He’s just the owner of a private chat room, how could he possibly—

“Kekeke. I thought you would be from the Tiger side.”

I shut my mouth at the Master’s laughter.

Not because I was hit where it hurts, but because I couldn’t understand what he was talking about.

I just chose to remain silent.

If you just keep your mouth shut, you’ll at least be in the middle ground.

“Or a soldier.”

That judgment was correct.

‘Soldier...’

Now I understand.

Who this old man thinks I am.

“Yes? What happened that—”

“Stop.”

The Master cuts off the question with a brief mutter.

“I understand that Miss Fox has a lot of questions. Why I disappeared without a word, what I’m trying to say now. But I can’t tell you.”

“Is it that urgent?”

“No, it has nothing to do with time.”

Fox doesn’t push any further at the Master’s firm words.

Instead, she asks one more thing.

“Then... will you come back next time?”

“Well, I’m not sure. But I’ll definitely come back in a year. I might come sooner if something comes up.”

“Pfft, so you’re saying you came here today because you had something urgent to announce, Master.”

“You’re right, Clown.”

The attention that was focused on me shifts towards the Master at his shocking declaration.

It’s a perfect situation for me.

And the content itself...

‘He’ll come back in a year...’

In short, it means I don’t have to worry about my lies being exposed at every gathering.

However, my curiosity is greater than my relief right now.

‘He said he doesn’t have time, and it doesn’t seem like a lie... What kind of situation is he in? And what’s the urgent information he needs to share?’

I look at the Master, focusing on my hearing, amidst countless questions. And it’s not just me, all the masked figures are doing the same.

A strange silence falls.

“Kekeke, don’t be too nervous. It’s actually good news.”

The Master waves his hand as if to lighten the heavy atmosphere and then slowly opens his mouth.

And...

“A Bonding spell that can bind up to six people will be created within two years. It means the key to opening the Gate of the Abyss will increase to six!”

Silence falls upon the room.

The members exchange awkward glances and don’t say anything.

The Master tilts his head.

“Uh, why the long faces? I thought you would be more surprised...”

Well, it’s old news.

_________________

The creation of a 6-person Bonding spell.

It’s definitely valuable information, enough to shake the entire city for at least a few months once it’s known.

But...

“...You already revealed this? Eh, no wonder everyone’s reaction is so underwhelming.”

The Master clicks his tongue after learning that the Clown already shared it at the previous gathering.

“But it’s a bit unexpected. Clown, I didn’t think you would talk about something like that here. Have you finally warmed up to these people?”

“Pfft, there’s no way. I was just curious about their reactions.”

The Clown looks at me as he laughs.

The Master then subtly glances at me, following his gaze.

I’m nervous, thinking he might say something.

But...

Crackle.

That’s when the Master’s body starts flickering like a hologram.

“Oh, it’s already time to leave.”

“Master!”

Fox shouts in disappointment, but the flickering intensifies.

Even in this situation, the Master is only looking at me.

It’s a very unpleasant and unsettling gaze.

It’s like he can see through me just by making eye contact.

“Old man, do you have something to say?”

I can’t hold back and ask.

And at that moment...

[It’s not ‘old man’, it’s ‘geezer’.]

A voice echoes in my head like a Whisper spell.

It’s clear who the owner of the voice is.

[That damn brat called me that.]

Damn it.

No wonder it seemed too easy.

‘He knew from the beginning?’

My body stiffens slightly.

Of course, it’s so subtle that it’s hard to notice with the naked eye, and it only lasts for a split second.

But...

[Hmm, actually, your reaction was so natural that I was still confused. But seeing your heart rate increase, it seems like you’re really not that brat.]

Wait, he was just testing me?

[Don’t worry. There’s no reason for me to interfere with what you do here.]

“.......”

[I’m just curious, but unfortunately, I don’t have time today. Let’s talk again when we meet next time.]

With that, the Master’s body disappears before my eyes like fog.

“Ha.”

I laugh out loud.

It’s similar to how I chuckle when I experience something absurd.

There’s no one easy in this world.